The Jazz Loft at Stony Brook will be presenting an illuminating doubleheader on Friday, Nov. 15.
The main event will be the “Louis Jordan Tribute” starting at 7 p.m. Danny Bacher, also a soprano saxophonist, will be singing many of Jordan’s hits of the 1940s including “Caledonia,” “Choo Choo Ch’Boogie,” “G.I. Jive” and “Let The Good Times Roll,” accompanied by an all-star group of musicians.
In effect, Jordan introduced the small swing combos which took over from the big bands, popularized the saxophone as a lead instrument and made music fun.
Initially, at 6 p.m., music author John Broven of East Setauket will give a presentation entitled “Who Is Louis Jordan?” Included will be a video outlining Jordan’s impactful history, featuring film clips and excerpts from the artist’s key recordings, prepared by Debbi Scott of Stony Brook.
The evening will bring into focus the influential music of Louis Jordan, an all-time American great and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
Tickets to the 6 p.m. event are $10 per person. Tickets to the 7 p.m. event are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, and $15 children ages 6 and up at www.thejazzloft.org.
The Jazz Loft, which features a Louis Jordan exhibit in its museum, is located at 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-751-1895.
Michael Ho will be the featured soloist. Photo from Susan Deaver
Stony Brook University’s University Orchestra will present a concert at the Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Tuesday, November 12 on the Main Stage at 7:30 p.m. Conducted by Susan Deaver, the University Orchestra will perform Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances and Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony.
The University Orchestra is a 70-member ensemble of undergraduate students from Stony Brook University. The University Orchestra presents a series of concerts each year at Staller Center including the annual Messiah Sing-Along and the annual Family Concert. Susan Deaver, conductor of the University Orchestra, has conducted orchestras in the United States, Europe and Asia and is a member of the music faculty at Stony Brook University. In 2016 she completed her 25th year as Music Director & Conductor of the North Shore Symphony Orchestra and has conducted Composers Reading Sessions with the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra and numerous festivals in New York and New Jersey.
The featured soloist is pianist and Long Island native Michael Ho who tied as 1st Place Winner of the 2024 Undergraduate Concerto Competition. Mr. Ho will perform the first movement of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor.
Tickets are $15 adults, $10 seniors (62+) and $5 students and are available online at www.stallercenter.com or by purchasing tickets at the Staller Box Office (631)632-2787). The Box Office is open one hour prior to the performance or you may purchase online at this link: Music Department Events
For further information about the University Orchestra, contact the Stony Brook Department of Music at 631.632-7330 or visit their website at https://www.stonybrook.edu/music.
Grounds and Sounds Cafe at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Rd, East Setauket welcomes veteran singer-songwriter Ray Lambiase to the stage on Friday, Nov. 8. Doors open at 7 p.m. Open mic starts at 7:30pm followed by the featured artist at 8:15 p.m.
Tickets are $20 at www.groundsandsounds.org or call 631-751-0297. Tickets are are also available at the door on the evening of the event. Snacks and soft drinks available for purchase; please bring your own wine for uncorking at the snack bar.
With Special Appearances by Nicole Zuraitis & Rahsaan Cruse, Jr. on Nov. 23!
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will pay tribute to the Rat Pack with a series of eight special concerts from Nov. 7 to Nov. 23.
Frank Sinatra once said, “I think my real ambition is to pass on to others what I know. It took me a long, long time to learn what I now know, and I don’t want to die with me.”
Danny Bacher
Enter vocalists Pete Caldera and Danny Bacher to grab the “Sinatra baton” with their perfectly nuanced interpretations of Frank’s catalog. Caldera and Bacher will be joined by the Jazz Loft’s 17-piece big band directed by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel for eight shows filled with Sinatra classics, called “The Rat Pack Review,” Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m.; Friday, November 8 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 23 at 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and a special late night show at 10 p.m. which will also feature Grammy winner Nicole Zuraitis and Rahsaan Cruse.
Sinatra was one of the most important entertainers of the 20th Century,” said Manuel.“Just as Frank never did anything in a small way, we will be devoting three nights to Ol’ Blue Eyes, with a stellar list of vocalists.”
Danny Bacher is an award-winning singer, saxophonist, songwriter and entertainer in the fullest sense of the term. He’s not only a master of the demanding soprano sax but combines his virtuosity on the instrument with a talent for comedy and narrative storytelling. He’s a smooth and cool individual who makes hot jazz and pop, cut from the cloth of the great Louis Prima and Mel Torme. Bacher swings with pizzazz, scats and sings with a smoky voice, all adding to his compelling stage presence.
Nicole Zuraitis
This is Pete Caldera’s third year performing at The Jazz Loft’s tributes to Frank Sinatra.Away from performing, Caldera is a reporter for the Bergen Record and the USA Today network, covering the Yankees. He is a past chairman of the New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America for the Bergen Record and the USA Today network, covering the Yankees. Caldera has a residency at NYC’s Carnegie Club, he has appeared on the Stephen Colbert Show.
Nicole Zuraitis is a frequent performer at TJL She is a GRAMMY winning and 2X GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger, New York-based bandleader and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice,” (Jazz Police), Nicole is a trailblazing artist who is redefining vocal jazz, earning her a place as one of the top artists and “prolific songwriters” (Broadway World) to watch in jazz and beyond.
Rahsaan Cruse, Jr.
Rahsaan Cruse, Jr is a rising star in the jazz scene who stands and delivers jazz repertoire in an evolutionary line straight from jazz greats who came before him. Rahsaan Cruse, Jr. demonstrates his mastery of the jazz idiom, nuanced and expressive, harkening listeners to another time and place.
All vocalists will be backed by The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, under the direction of Manuel. The Big Band is New York’s top call for jazz musicians and performs regularly throughout New York and England. The band, and has backed notable artists such as: Marilyn Maye, The Four Freshman, Ken Peplowski, Warren Vache, Houston Person, Bob Anderson, and many others.
Tickets are available on website www.thejazzloft.org for $40 Adult, $35 Senior, $30 Student, $25 Children or available to purchase at the door.
Radam Schwartz on organ; David F. Gibson, drums; Bryan Carrot, vibraphone; Mike Lee, tenor sax. Hammond B3 Organist and Jazz pianist, has built his reputation over the last 35 years playing with such great musicians as Arthur and Red Prysock, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Al Hibler, David Fathead Newman, Russell Malone, Cecil Brooks III and Jimmy Ford. He continues to make music history today playing with renowned artists, Bill Saxton, Iron City, The Spirit of Life Ensemble and many others.
Costanzo performs music from the Swing Era, to the Rat Pack Stylings of the 1950’s and 60’s, with a smattering of tunes from classic TV and film, to create a unique, fun experience for our dedicated fans.
Jazz 101: Who Is Louis Jordan? $10 ALL, no discounts. Tix limit 20. Noted author John Broven will be the speaker.
Danny Bacher
Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m.
Louis Jordan Tribute
Danny Bacher, Vocal & Alto Sax; Tom Manuel, Trumpet; Rich Iacona, Piano; Eric Kay, Tenor Sax; Jon Mele, Drums; Steve Salerno, Guitar
Tickets: $30, $25, $20
Champian Fulton
Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.
Champian Fulton Trio
A Jazz pianist and vocalist for more than 20 years, she has released 18 albums as a leader and has performed in more than 25 countries, both in concert and on TV. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Album of the Year in the NYC Jazz Record (2018, 2020, 2023) and Pianist and Vocalist of the Year (2019) by Hot House Magazine. She regularly appears in both the Jazz Journalist Awards and Downbeats Rising Star Critics Poll.
Us and Floyd will return to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport on Saturday, November 2, for two dazzling live performances – in sync with two stunning Pink Floyd laser light shows: The Wall at 7 p.m and Dark Side of the Moon at 9 p.m.
This tribute band strives to perform accurate recreations of the timeless music of Pink Floyd. These nine professional musicians grew up as avid Floyd fans and incorporate their knowledge of the band and its history into every live show. Their collective appreciation for Floyd is evident in the passion and precision of their performances.
Us and Floyd has been playing in New York area music venues and throughout the Northeast for many years. The band has performed at venues that include Mauch Chunk Opera House in Pennsylvania, The Space at Westbury, the Great South Bay Music Festival, New York State Fair, Citifield, and Foxwoods Casino.
Advance tickets online at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org are adults $35, members $30; ages 15 and under $30. At the door: adults $40, members $30; ages 15 and under $30
Ariel Baguio, Mia Locastro Do Coito, and Ethan Trinh. Photo from MCCSD
Ariel Baguio, Mia Locastro Do Coito, and Ethan Trinh with their parents. Photo from MCCSD
riel Baguio, Mia Locastro Do Coito, and Ethan Trinh with their music teacher Mr. Kubik. Photo from MCCSD
Stagecoach Elementary School in the Middle Country Central School District has announced that 4th graders Ariel Baguio, Mia Locastro Do Coito, and Ethan Trinh were selected to participate in the prestigious SCMEA PEAK (Parents, Educators, And Kids!) festival, which was held at Northport High School. This exciting event brought together over 200 talented 4th graders from various schools across Suffolk County.
Under the guidance of Mr. Kubik, the students’ dedicated music teacher, Ariel, Mia, and Ethan joined their peers to create an unforgettable musical experience. The festival emphasized collaboration, creativity, and the joy of making music together, allowing students to share their passion with their families and the community.
“This festival is a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect with others who share their love for music,” said Principal Shaun Rothberg. “We are incredibly proud of Ariel, Mia, and Ethan for their hard work and dedication, as well as grateful to Mr. Kubik for his inspiring leadership.”
The students enjoyed a day filled with rehearsals and performances, culminating in a grand showcase that highlighted their musical talents and teamwork. This event nurtured their growing talents and fostered lasting friendships among young musicians. Congratulations to Ariel, Mia, Ethan, their parents, and Mr. Kubik for this remarkable achievement! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
Stony Brook, NY; Stony Brook University: Science on Stage member Heather Lynch
It’s time to support a great cause. The Three Village Community Trust (TVCT) will host its 20th Annual Fall Gala Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 13th at the Old Field Club in East Setauket, an event that brings together many of the area’s most prominent leaders from government, business, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and civic groups for one special evening.
This year’s Gala features two “rock stars” — the internationally renowned scientist and honored guest Heather Lynch, and the celebrated classical and jazz guitarist Steve Salerno. Attendees of the Gala will have the opportunity to hear and see both luminaries in one place.
Dr. Lynch is an acclaimed author, researcher and lecturer, who was recently named the Inaugural Director of the Collaboration for the Earth at Stony Brook University. A recipient of many academic honors, she is a well-known captivating speaker, and a leading voice in climate science.
Music by Steve Salerno will feature jazz and classical tunes.
Steve Salerno is a world recognized classical and jazz guitarist. His wide ranging musical talents are a special feature of this year’s Gala. The Trust feels fortunate to have Steve take time off from his busy performance schedule to provide “tunes” for the evening!
The Fall Fundraising Gala is the Trust’s most important source of funding to “Protect the Places You Love.” As an all-volunteer, not-for-profit, the Trust depends on the Gala to support its projects throughout the upcoming year.
Every Trust site benefits by this event —Patriots Rock Historic Site, The Immigrant Factory Houses, The Hawkins Homestead, the Smith/deZafra House, the Tyler House, the Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway, the Steven D. Matthews Preserve and the Bruce House. Additionally, this event helps fund the Dr. Robert and Julia deZafra Acquisition Fund which helps the Trust purchase historical properties in the future.
Like in the past, the Gala offers attendees amazing lite bites, wine, spectacular raffle baskets and great company and is a festive way to kick off the holiday season. The winner of this year’s art raffle, a Gamecock Heirloom Chest created by Master Craftsman William Solan in his Stony Brook workshop, will also be announced. Available on the Trust’s website, the raffle tickets are $50 each and only 100 raffle tickets will be sold. The winner does not need to be present at the gala.
This unique chest at 30”long, 18”wide and 16”high was designed and built by Solan using repurposed wood from the iconic Gamecock Cottage at Shipman’s Point in Stony Brook. During the first restoration of the Gamecock cottage more than thirty years ago, Bill was the lead carpenter. Today, Bill is helping with the current renovations of the cottage by handcrafting the detailed moldings for installation on the building’s Swiss-chalet exterior.
The chest is made from quarter-sawn Douglas fir that weathered the elements at Shipman’s Point for more than half a century. Douglas fir is known for its strength and stability, and was likely sourced in Canada, and shipped to Stony Brook from the west coast. The classic box joinery is ‘fitting’ for this remarkable chest. Antique handles complete the overall design.
“This is always a fun event that brings the community together to help ‘Protect the Places We Love!’ A wonderful time for all!!” said Herb Mones, President of the TVCT.
Soundview Drive near Robin Road has been hit with extensive storm damage. Photo from Michael Armando
By Julianne Mosher
The plan is to put a spell on you all for a good cause.
With high-impact storms hitting Long Island over the past year, local communities have been having trouble recovering from wind, water and debris-filled damage. In Rocky Point, the North Shore Beach Property Owners Association (NSBPOA) experienced ruined beaches and access points and roads that need dire repair.
To raise funds to fix these expensive problems, NSBPOA is hosting a post-Halloween party at their historic clubhouse featuring music from the Resurrection of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins band — the blues artist known for “I Put a Spell on You” — a perfect tune for the spooky holiday bash to be held on Nov. 9.
Michael Armando, a former board member of NSBPOA and the guitarist in the band, said that this Halloween concert is open to the public, not just members of the association.
“We’re hoping to raise money to repair the damage from the heavy rain we had,” he said.
Soundview Drive, which is a private road owned by the association, but which is open to the public, was ruined after Long Island was rocked with 10-inch-high flooding in August. The problem, Armando said, is that while the road is private, it is accessible to everyone including buses, garbage trucks, and plows from the Town of Brookhaven. However, since it’s privately funded, the town cannot pay for its repairs or help maintain it.
“We don’t get help from the town, but they use the roads too,” he said. “Fixing the roads is a public benefit.”
The Resurrection of the Screamin’ Jay Hawkins Band will perform at the event.
As an added bonus, the party will feature music from The Resurrection of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins Band — a tribute project that brings the music of the legendary Screamin’ Jay Hawkins back to life. Armando, who was the original guitarist for the original band in the 70, said that they don’t just perform Hawkins’ music, but they also aim to recreate the wild and theatrical essence of his performances. Other members of the band include Shakar “TheRealShakar” Brumfield on vocals, Tex on saxophone, Andrew Golba on bass and Michael Fox on drums.
NSBPOA is celebrating 96 years, according to vice president Gina Carpenter. She said that in 1928, a New York City newspaper, the New York Daily Mirror, owned undeveloped land between Rocky Point and Miller Place. An advertisement offered subscribers theopportunity to buy a 20-by 80-foot parcel through the subscription of just $89.50 as a “get away from it all” summer home.
“People came by train — there was just a dirt road leading up to the bungalows,” she said.
The association came out of the summer season regulars who would help maintain the beaches and who created a sense of community together while they vacationed on the North Shore. Today, Carpenter said the association has over 600 members and it’s open to anyone looking to have access to a small piece of paradise which includes more than a mile of beach, kayaking, fishing and boating.
That’s why having members in the group is so important, Carpenter said, because “we’re a nonprofit, so when things happen, we’re not eligible for certain grants.”
“It’s a big undertaking maintaining the roads and beaches,” she added. “To rebuild and repair, we heavily rely on donors and fundraising.”
Armando said that anyone can join — members don’t need to live exclusively in Rocky Point.
“The beach association is an environmentally friendly group that takes care of the beach, the bluff and planting on the bluff,” he said. “Whatever we can get to help will go to the repairs along with all of these other things.”
“This is a hidden gem that not many people know about,” Carpenter said. “An event like this is not only fun, but people can see our clubhouse, get to know some of us and learn more about the association.”
The belated Halloween party fundraiser will benefit the NSBPOA on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at 55 Clubhouse Drive in Rocky Point. Tickets are $40 and the event will have basket raffles, a 50/50 and include a free wine glass voucher. Costumes are welcomed for those still feeling the spooky season. Tickets can be purchased online at northshorebeach.org or at the door.
As part of the New York State Field Band Conference, the Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band (HBDMB) and Huntington Union Free School District will present it’s Bi-Annual Home Show Competition at the Blue Devil Stadium at Huntington High School, Sunday, October 20 with show start time of 1 p.m.
Competing and performing will be a total of eight Marching Bands from (listed in order of performance) COPIAGUE, WALT WHITMAN, DIVISION AVE, SACHEM, HUNTINGTON, ROSLYN, MALVERNE, BRENTWOOD.
Members of the Long Island community, as well as friends of the HBDMB are invited, and tickets can be purchased at the door for $12. Students can purchase tickets for $5 with a valid student ID, and children under 10 enter for free. All proceeds from the event will go to Band Parents Association of Huntington, a not-for-profit organization and will benefit the Huntington Band program. The bi-annual HBDMB home show is a competition level show for New York State Field Band Conference and scores will count against the band’s standings in the Conference. Awards will be presented after the final performance.
The renowned Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band from Huntington High School is recognized in the state for holding several championship titles including their most recent award of the 4th place Large School 2 division finish at the New York State Field Band Conference Championships at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse in October 2023. The HBDMB is an integral part of the Huntington community and participates in various local parades throughout the year.
Huntington Union Free School District has been in existence since 1657. The District serves approximately 4,600 students attending the district’s eight schools. Huntington’s music program is well represented in the county and state music festivals each year. The high school takes great pride in having one of largest symphonic orchestras in the state and being represented nationally by the renowned HBDMB.
“It has been a truly amazing season for the 2024 HBDMB so far! The amount and dedication and passion these students have given to this program and this year’s production is incredibly inspiring. I would like to give a special thank you to our wonderful BPAH for all their support and love to the program and for assisting in operating a wonderful home show, as well as our District, Administration, Staff and Community members for all their support. Please join us for our Home Show on October 20th, 2024!” said Marching Band Coordinator Andre Rizzuto.
Co-President of the Band Parents Association of Huntington Ivy Soric said, “The home show has long been a crucial part of maintaining the Huntington Marching Band over the years. All proceeds from this year’s competition will go directly towards helping our kids, giving them the tools and support they need to continue participating in the activity they all love. My own children have been a part of this program for 10 years now, and each of them have been infinitely impacted by the Huntington Blue Devils Marching Band. We want to make every effort to continue to inspire all students for years to come.”
“The Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band is proud to present our show entitled Dia de los Muertos. This show symbolizes themes of remembrance, reunion, celebration and honoring our loved ones of the past. The students, staff and volunteers have dedicated countless hours to this event which will be sure to impress our audience,” adde Co-President of the Band Parents Association of Huntington Jen Simon. “Please join us at this fundraiser in which all proceeds support the Blue Devil Marching Band program. ”
For more information about the Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band from Huntington UFSD see: https://www.hufsd.edu/arts/marching.html